As the Oklahoma City Thunder push forward in their quest to defend their NBA title, Monday brought a subtle but telling shift in the long-term outlook for one of their core players. Lu Dort, the defensive stalwart who’s been a key piece of OKC’s rise, has officially signed with Klutch Sports Group - a move that signals more than just a change in representation.
Klutch, founded by Rich Paul and best known for representing LeBron James, has become one of the most influential agencies in the league. When a player signs with Klutch, it usually means they’re gearing up for a major contract decision - and they’re not leaving money on the table.
Dort, who has a team option worth $18.2 million for the 2026-27 season, appears to be positioning himself for a bigger payday. And when you look at the Thunder’s current cap situation, it’s easy to see why this matters.
OKC doesn’t typically let players enter the final year of their deal without a clear plan. Dort was eligible for an extension this past summer, but nothing materialized - a quiet signal that the Thunder may be preparing for change.
That’s not necessarily about Dort’s value - which is real - but more about the financial crunch looming over OKC’s roster. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Jalen Williams have all signed extensions that will significantly raise the team’s payroll starting next season. With those three locked in as foundational pieces, the Thunder are entering a new phase - one where tough decisions will have to be made.
Dort’s name has already surfaced in those conversations. Isaiah Hartenstein, who holds a $28.5 million team option for the 2026-27 season, is another player to watch.
And then there’s Cason Wallace - the rising guard who’s eligible for his own extension this summer. Wallace has made a strong case for a bigger role, and his development could make him a natural successor to Dort in the starting lineup.
This isn’t a knock on Dort - far from it. His story is one of the best in recent Thunder history.
From undrafted rookie to starting on a championship team, he’s been the kind of gritty, high-effort player every contender needs. Last season, he earned All-Defense honors, and this year he’s putting up 8.6 points per game on 39% shooting, with 3.9 rebounds and 1.2 assists.
He’s hitting 35% from beyond the arc on 5.6 attempts per game - not elite, but respectable enough to keep defenses honest.
And in today’s NBA, elite perimeter defenders don’t stay on the market long - especially ones who can knock down threes and guard multiple positions. Dort fits that mold.
Even if his offense can be streaky, his defensive impact is undeniable. That kind of skill set commands attention - and money - in free agency.
The Thunder know this. They’ve built one of the league’s deepest and most versatile young rosters, but that depth comes with a price.
As they transition from up-and-coming to full-fledged contender, they’ll have to make some hard calls. Dort’s decision to join Klutch is a smart one for his future - and a clear sign that both sides may be preparing for a new chapter.
For now, Dort remains a key part of OKC’s title defense. But as the team looks ahead, change feels less like a possibility and more like an inevitability.